Amended 5/18/04
COUNTY SERVICES
Members Present: Chris Swope, Marc Thomas, Debbie DeLeon, Curtis Hertel and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: Mike Severino and John Nevin
Others Present: Jerry Ambrose, Jared Cypher, Jack Restuccia, Paul Pratt, Mike Bryanton, Bob Smith, Christine Timmon, Cindi Hickock and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Swope at 7:05 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the April 20, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 20 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
Additions to the Agenda
8a. Substitute Resolution
8b. Substitute Resolution and Additional Information
Limited Public Comment
Ms. Timmon addressed the Committee regarding her continued concerns of the Juvenile Justice Millage expenditures.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
The Committee interviewed Jeffery A. Lang for a vacancy on the Housing Commission.
Mr. Lang informed the Committee that he may be moving out of the County in the near future. He will advise the Board Office if he does move.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A TEMPORARY STAFFING ADJUSTMENT IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Restuccia updated her regarding the current staffing levels in the Financial Services Department. Mr. Restuccia explained that the Resolution would authorize the change of a half-time position to a three-quarter time position. Comm. DeLeon stated she wants to make sure this Department does not have any current vacancies due to funding issues while this request is being made.
Mr. Hailey stated this requested has been reviewed by the union.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO CHANGE A POSITION TITLE IN THE FACILITIES DEPARTMENT. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
7b. Board of Commissioners - Resolution Recognizing the Week of May 15-21 as "Michigan Week" in Ingham County
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF MAY 15-21 AS "MICHIGAN WEEK" IN INGHAM COUNTY.
Comm. DeLeon stated a copy of this Resolution should also be sent to Governor Granholm. The Committee consented to a Friendly Amendment to include Comm. DeLeon's suggestion.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY as amended. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
8b. Controller's Office - Substitute Resolution Updating Various Fees for County Services
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE A THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION UPDATING VARIOUS FEES FOR COUNTY SERVICES.
Mr. Bryanton explained to the Committee that his Office has increased fees three times in the last four years. September, 2001 the Office increased its first copy fee from $5 to $10 and our second copy fee from $2 to $4. In 2003, we increased the first copy fee from $10 to $13 and in 2004 we increased the second copy fee from $4 to $5. In addition, increases in other areas will offset the proposed increase in fees from $1.00 to $10.00 with the County share being $8.00. That fee increase will generate an estimated $6,000 in revenue for FY 2005.
Mr. Bryanton further explained that his Office purchased an ad in the Ameritech Yellow Pages for passport services. In the 2003 Ameritech Yellow Pages, the County was the only provider of passport services advertising in the Yellow Pages. The ad has more than paid for itself. This year, it is estimated the Office will see an increase of 200 passports, generating another $6,000 in revenue for FY 2005.
Mr. Bryanton stated there arguments to support an increase and to maintain the status quo. In response to Chairperson Swope, Mr. Bryanton explained the County cannot charge a first copy fee which is more than the State's rate for the same service. He also stated the Office charges $10 for a passport photo.
Comm. Hertel stated Mr. Bryanton understands this issue better than this Committee and we should support his request.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO MAINTAIN THE $13 FEE FOR A FIRST COPY.
Chairperson Celentino asked if the loss of additional revenue would be made up for in other areas. Mr. Bryanton stated the difference will be more than made up. The Clerk's Office will not have any holes in its budget.
The Committee continued this discussion. Mr. Ambrose explained the Board of Commissioners sets fees and appropriates funds. At the Board's direction, the Controller's Office reviews the fees on an annual basis and makes any necessary recommendations. From a financial standpoint, the Clerk's Office would still receive the Notary and passport fees with or without the increase in copy fees.
Comm. DeLeon stated this is a dilemma. Does the Committee fairly increase fees on an annual basis or does it review the fees periodically and recommend larger increases. Comm. Hertel stated the Clerk does not appear before this Committee to request funding on a regular basis. Mr. Bryanton showed up this evening and explained how the hole would be filled if the recommended increases are not implemented for 2005.
In response to Comm. Thomas, Mr. Ambrose explained how the yearly fee recommendations are determined. The Board needs to determine if it will recover 100% of its costs for services or not.
Motion to Amend: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
Main Motion as Amended: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
8c. Controller's Office - Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Easement to Wolverine Pipeline Company for a Cathodic Production Unit
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EASEMENT TO WOLVERINE PIPELINE COMPANY FOR A CATHODIC PRODUCTION UNIT.
Ms. Hickock, Wolverine Pipeline Co., explained that the cathodic protection unit will be installed to protect an existing pipeline from corrosion. The Pipeline desires to construct a cathodic protection unit on County-owned property adjacent to the existing pipeline in Meridian Township.
Comm. Hertel expressed his appreciation for the maintenance of the Wolverine Pipeline. He also clarified that this unit would be applied to an existing pipeline. In response to Comm. Hertel, Ms. Hickock explained that the unit would have to be applied to the line even if it is closed.
In response to Chairperson Swope, Ms. Hickock explained that when a pipeline is closed, it can be sold for other uses such as the transfer of liquid petroleum. It could not be used for its original intent once Wolverine has closed the line.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
Mr. Hailey requested a Closed Session for the purpose of discussing his labor relations update.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO ENTER A CLOSED SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING A LABOR RELATIONS UPDATE. MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: YEAS, SWOPE, THOMAS, DELEON AND HERTEL. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
The Committee returned to Regular Session at this time.
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AREAS OF PRIORITY EMPHASIS GUIDING 2005 ACTIVITIES AND BUDGET PROCESS.
Comm. Hertel informed the Committee that Comm. Weatherwax-Grant requested this Committee address the Michigan Avenue Corridor Project. During the Human Services Committee meeting, Comm. Weatherwax-Grant requested that the Project be added to the list of Priorities. During that meeting, she was informed that her request belongs in this Committee.
Comm. Thomas stated he would be more comfortable with not specifying a specific region in the list of priorities.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO ADD THE MICHIGAN AVENUE CORRIDOR PROJECT TO THE "FOSTERING ECONOMIC WELL BEING" PORTION OF THE PRIORITY STATEMENT. MOTION DIED due to lack of support. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
Chairperson Swope stated the Priority Resolution should include a more detailed statement regarding the licensing of dogs. He further stated the Treasurer would like to have more of a roll in the sale of the licenses.
Mr. Ambrose stated the 2004 Priority Resolution includes language such as exploring and improving dog licensing. Language could be added to indicate the Treasurer's desire to have more of an impact on this process. The Committee discussed this issue further.
MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO ADD "INCREASING THE TREASURER'S ROLL IN THE DOG LICENSING PROCESS" TO THE PRIORITY STATEMENT FOR 2005.
Motion to Amend: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Ambrose explained the term "straddle cell" as contained in the 2005 Budget Guidelines under the Law Enforcement category. Comm. Thomas suggested the language be altered to allow for more clarity. Mr. Ambrose stated a change can be made to that language.
Comm. DeLeon wished to address specific items in the 2005 Budget Guidelines. Chairperson Swope explained that this Committee should not change the priorities of the other liaison committees.
Comm. Thomas stated the Guidelines Resolution should explain current and continuing priorities; or the Resolution could refer to a separate document which would contain the detailed information. Mr. Ambrose explained the Briefing Book contains the requested information. This Book also provides the updates to the Guidelines. Comm. Thomas stated it would be appropriate to have a separate Resolution which explains the current and past priorities. The Committee addressed this issue further.
Main Motion: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Nevin
The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff